Rory McIlroy won for the first time this year, even if it was just an 18-hole exhibition against
Tiger Woods.

McIlroy made four birdies and an eagle over the last seven holes yesterday in Haikou, China, for
a 6-under-par 67, giving him a one-shot win over Woods. It was the second straight year that
McIlroy defeated Woods at the medal match in China.

“I would like to play all my tournaments in China where I can beat Tiger,” McIlroy said.

Both birdied the 16th to reach 5 under, and the match turned on the next hole. Woods came up
short on his approach to the 17th, and after nearly flying his pitch into the cup, he missed a
5-foot par putt. Woods had a 20-foot eagle putt on the 18th for the tie. He missed, and McIlroy
knocked in his 3-foot birdie putt.

Woods could hardly raise his voice after the round.

“I don’t sound all that well now, but it was nice that it was warm out there today,” he said. “
That certainly helped because I think my fever broke and I can start feeling a bit better. But I
tell you what, when you have kids, they bring home some strong bugs, and this one has definitely
been kicking my butt for the last couple of days.”